While Muslims across the archipelago started Ramadhan this year on the same date, different groups may end the fasting month on different days, an expert says.
Some may say that the end of Ramadhan is on Tuesday while others may say it ends Wednesday, National Aeronautics and Space Agency (LAPAN) research professor Thomas Djamaluddin said Monday.
“The difference occurs because until now most Muslim mass organizations in this country have no agreement on which criteria to use to determine the beginning of hijrah [Islamic year] months,” Thomas said as quoted by kompas.com.
At least two criteria are used: hisab, which is based on mathematical calculations, and rukyat or direct observations of the lunar cycle. Both methods are used to determine the emergence of the first crescent moon at the beginning of hijriah months, known as hilal.
If hilal can be seen on Monday afternoon, Muslims will mark the next day as Idul Fitri. If, however, hilal can not be seen then the fasting month will be extended to 30 days and Idul Fitri will fall on Wednesday.
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